Thirty years ago this week saw the advent of the CD or compact disc as it was then known: Billy Joel’s album “52nd Street” became a music landmark as well as a tourist landmark in New York, when it was released as the first CD ever in October 1982.

The arrival of the CD was only made possible by the development of the Sony CDP-101, which was the first device to play CDs on. The creation of the CD was a joint collaboration between Phillips and Sony – the companies having originally worked independently on different versions of the technology throughout the 1970s. By the early 1980s vinyl records had prevailed for three decades since the 1950s and in 1982 it was almost inconceivable that the 12cm wide quasi-vinyl record would replace the real thing!! However the CD did replace the vinyl record, ushering in the digital age in the music industry: although the CD was only ever intended to be a replacement for traditional vinyl records, in June of 1985 the CD-ROM arrived and really cemented the compact disc’s place in everyday life.

Of course 30 years on the CD is in terminal decline, it’s presence and position devoured by digital downloading. The harsh reality is that it seems highly unlikely that anyone will be collecting CDs in years to come, as we collect old and new vinyl records today. CDs were a practical solution and application to music playing in the 1980s and 1990s, but did not capture the imagination of the music fan and consumer, in the way that vinyl records did, and indeed still do!! Vinyl has charisma, charm and personality………in comparison the CD is the dowdy wallflower and poor country cousin of the city slicking, flamboyant vinyl record.

Music fans have always had a passion for vinyl records and still continue to be in love with vinyl; whilst CDs were merely a marriage of convenience until something better and more practical came along……..which eventually it did in the form of the digital download!!

Nevertheless, “Many Happy Returns CD aka Compact Disc”. Happy 30th Birthday…….it’s been fun, but it’s highly unlikely that you will reach middle age and grow in our affections as vinyl records have done over the last 60 years!!

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the CD in your home or office, by ordering your favourite CD or indeed vinyl record; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque……

ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed CDs and vinyl records with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th Birthday, a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!! 

Other nostalgic products available from MyFirstRecord are your favourite childhood comics ( masthead & front cover ), TV cartoons and pop idol posters. If you would like any of these framed ( with a personalised , engraved plaque, if you wish ) as a lasting memento to your childhood ……… Please E-mail  info@MyFirstRecord.co.uk